A flash flood in Spain killed at least 62 people World news

At least 62 people have died in Spain after flash floods hit parts of the country.

Torrential rains flooded roads and towns, washed away cars, derailed trains and damaged homes and buildings.

Follow the latest: People “trapped like rats” – cities under water

Authorities in the worst-hit areas advised people to stay at home and avoid any non-essential travel.

Valencia regional authorities say at least 62 people have died as a result of flooding that swept through the eastern Spain. Among the dead in the region are children.

Local publication El Pais reported that an 88-year-old woman was found dead in the town of Mira in Cuenca.

In Letura, near the Sierra de Segura mountain range, 30 people were trapped after a river that runs through the town burst its banks.

Dozens of videos posted on social media showed people trapped by floodwaters, some hanging from trees to avoid being washed away.

Authorities used helicopters to rescue some residents from their homes.

Other videos published by Spanish broadcasters showed floodwaters rising to the lower floors of houses and even carrying cars through the streets.

The Prime Minister warns of new storms

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told a news conference that “we are united and will rebuild your streets, squares and bridges”, telling the victims: “Spain will be with you”.

He added that the government’s crisis committee will work “hand in hand” with local authorities and city mayors “24 hours a day while the emergency continues.”

However, he warned at the time that the “devastating event” may not be over yet, with forecasters predicting more storms until Thursday.

“Trapped like rats”

Radio and television stations received hundreds of calls for help from people trapped in flooded areas or looking for loved ones, as emergency services were unable to reach all affected areas.

More than 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency response units were sent to the devastated areas.

“Yesterday was the worst day of my life,” Ricardo Gabaldón, mayor of Utiel in Valencia, told national broadcaster RTVE. According to him, several people are still missing in his city.

“We’re trapped like rats,” Mr. Gabaldon said. “Cars and garbage containers flowed through the streets. The water rose up to three meters.”

The rain in Valencia had eased by late Wednesday morning, but the storm was forecast to continue on Thursday, according to Spain’s national meteorological service.

“It was chaos”

The British couple told Sky News they were stuck in their car for almost 10 hours.

Vitaly Farafonov and his wife were visiting Valencia for a yoga retreat when the police turned them away from the highway at around 8:00 p.m. yesterday evening.

He said: “It was chaos as we counted nine or ten overturned lorries on a half-mile stretch of motorway.

“We’ve never seen anything like it.”

Mr Farafonov said he and his wife were stuck “on a random country road between beautiful orange groves”.

“Finally we can see flashing blue lights so people know where we are,” he added. “Like I said, we’re lucky.”

The couple, who are originally from the Midlands but now live in Luxembourg, have four children who live safely in Barcelona with relatives.

“Half a Year’s Rain”

John Clarke, editor of news publication The Olive Press, told Sky News from one of the worst-hit areas of Malaga that he expected more deaths to be announced.

He called the storms “the worst natural disaster in at least 50 years” before warning that “it could be much more.”

At the time, the journalist said some of the flood-affected areas in the Valencia region suffered “six months’ worth of rain” in six to seven hours.

Transport was also seriously affected by the flooding, with a high-speed train with almost 300 people on board derailed near Malaga. Authorities said no one was injured in the incident.

Rail lines elsewhere were also disrupted. Spain’s transport ministry announced shortly before 11:00 a.m. that the high-speed train service between Valencia and Madrid would be suspended for the whole of Wednesday.

“Titanic work”

Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia said they were “devastated” by the deadly flooding.

“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the more than 50 victims,” the statement said.

“Strength, courage and all necessary support to all victims.

“Our warmest message and recognition to local and regional authorities and all emergency services, armed and state security forces and troops for the titanic work they have done since the beginning.”

Scientists have warned that the frequent episodes of extreme weather, such as flash floods or forest fires, seen elsewhere in Europe during the summer are likely to be linked to human-caused climate change.

Meteorologists believe that the warming of the Mediterranean Sea, which increases the evaporation of water, plays a key role in increasing the torrential rains.

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